At this point in America, mental health issues are at an all-time high. After almost a year of shutdowns, many people are struggling on a day-to-day basis. Millions of jobs are lost and certain businesses have shut their doors for good.
Meanwhile, families across the nation are having to make some very tough decisions. Sometimes these decisions come down to whether or not parents should pay for groceries or their utility bills. Many women have also been forced out of the workplace, due to the need to care for their children, rather than seeking new employment.
Children, too, are facing a series of mental health crises. Extended time away from classrooms and peers is taking a toll on the social, educational, mental, and emotional development of children.
However, in spite of these challenges, House Democrats voted down an amendment to the American Rescue Plan that would have provided funding for children’s mental health programs, per Townhall.
The Rejected Amendment for Children’s Mental Health Programs
Iowa GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson proposed an amendment to the American Rescue Plan that would allocate $140 million towards mental health programs for children having a tough time with shutdowns. Instead of approving this amendment, House Democrats decided that the funds should instead go towards Speaker Pelosi’s California subway.
🚨BREAKING🚨 Democrats just blocked $140 million in grants for mental health services for kids.
Know where they decided to spend that taxpayer money instead? Pelosi’s tunnel.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) February 27, 2021
Hinson’s measure was ultimately voted down with 205 in favor, but 218 opposed. On the floor of the House of Representatives, the Iowa Republican did not mince words. Rep. Hinson explained that parents of children and frontline workers who are assisting young people with mental health issues received a “slap in the face” from Democrats who voted down the amendment.
Finally, Hinson also made sure to declare that the $140 million going towards Pelosi’s subway in California is one of the most egregious examples of “pork spending” in D.C.
The Plight of Children in America
Keeping children out of schools and classrooms is having real and devastating impacts. Despite these realities, pork spending and appeasement of the left-wing teachers’ unions are higher up on Democrats’ list of priorities than the well-being of America’s youth.
Democrats’ spending bill sends $140 million to Speaker Pelosi’s pet subway project in California. This is Washington pork spending at its WORST. My amendment would take away this carve out & redirect this money to mental health programs for students. #studentsoversubways pic.twitter.com/tCOE3emm1N
— Ashley Hinson (@RepAshleyHinson) February 27, 2021
Since the House of Representatives passed the American Rescue Plan, the Senate will now have to vote. If the $1.9 trillion package does pass, then some very poor policies will go into effect.
Some moderate and centrist Democrats in the Senate have opposed certain aspects of the American Rescue Plan; however, time will tell whether these Democrats ultimately vote for or against the legislation.
What do you think about House Democrats voting down an amendment that would have funded mental health programs for children? Let us know in the comments section below.
